Motion-checking device.



N0. 692,875. Patented Feb. |l,`|902.

H. LEMP.

MOTION CH'ECKINGIDEVICE. y

(Application led Nov. 17, 1900.)

3 Sheets.-Sheet I.

(No Model.)

.ma F

H. LEMP. `MJTION CHEKING DEVICE.-

(Application tiled Nov. 17, 1900.) (Ilo Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 2.

'rk/ENTER:

Hermann Le mln.

" Patented Feb. II,l |902.

(Appxilcation med Nov. 17, 1900.)

3 Sheetsw-Shee't 3.

(No Modell.)

err-mann Lamp UNITED STATES PATENT `OEEICE.

HERMANN LEMr, ,0E LYNN, MASSACHUSETTS, AssIGNoR 'ro ELM-1U THOMSON; or s wAMPScoTT, MASSACHUSETTS.

VMoTloN-cl-lECKINGl DEVICE.

SPECIFFCATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 692,875, dated February 1 1, 1902.

' Application tiled November 1'7, 1900.' Serial No. 36,866. (No model.)

To LZZ whom, it may concern:

Be it known that I, HERMANN LEMP, a citizen of the United States, residing at Lynn, county of Essex, State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful' Improvements in Motion-Checkin g Devices, (Case No. 1,895,) of which the following is a spccilication.

In my prior applications Serial No. 686,063, .tiled July 15, 1898, and Serial No. 23,990, filed July 18, 1900, and renewed November 1, 1901, Serial No.80,8.23,l have described and claimed a motion-checking device wherein the movable member or members of an organization are prevented from transmitting; -strains to the operating device or handle. The checking device illustrated consists of a hydraulic lock which is controlled by valves that are under the direct control ofthe operating-handle and which are so arranged that the tirst portion of the angular movementof the handle releases the lock, and continued move` ment changes the position or relation of the said members. Inzthe structures \referred to in these cases there is of necessity a limited amount of lost motion between the operatinghandle and the member or members to be moved.

The present invention relates to the same general subject-matter outlined above; but instead of arranging the valve-mechanism so that it is controlled bythe ordinary movements of the handle a valve is employed,`

which valve is controlled by a device that necessitates an action other than that required for moving the members of the organization with respect to each other.

Referring to the accompanying drawings; v

which illustrate an embodiment of' myinvention, Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of the motion-checking device, on an enlarged scale, taken on line 1 l of Fig 3. Fig. 2 is a horizontal section taken on line 2 2 of Fig.l looking in the direction of the arrow. Fig. 3 is a plan view of a steering-check on av somewhat-reduced scale. Fig. 4 is a vertical section of the piston. Fig. 5 is a transverse section of the piston, taken on the line 5 5 of Fig. 2, looking in the direction of the arrow. Fig. 6 is a horizontal section showing the valve mechanism in the open position.4 Figs. 7 and 8 are ren spectively an end elevation and plan view of the piston. Fig. 9 is a plan view of the pis- 4ton-controlling valve. Figs. 10 and l1 are 'respectively a side and end elevation of the same. Fig. 12 is a side elevation of the motion-checking device and operating-handle with the latter' in section. Fig. 13 is a detail view of the bulb employed for actuating the valve. Fig. 14 is a detail View in plan of a part of the connection between the steeringhandle and the wheels. n Fig. 15 is a partial elevation of a slight modification. Fig. 16 is an enlarged sectional detail View of the same. Fig. 1-7 is a further modification wherein a piston is employed instead of a bulb. Figs. 18 and 19 are' respectively a rear 'end and plan view of the steering-handle. Fig. 2O is a front elevation vof the same. Fig. 21 is a plan view of the frontwheels of avehicle, showing the improved motion-checking device in position; and Fig. 22 is a modified form of the means for actuating the piston-valves.

Referring to Fig. 1, A represents the main body or casing of the device, which is secured to the fixed axle A of the vehicle by means of asuitable clamp. When the apparatus is applied to devices other than' vehicles theV body or base casing is secured to one portion of the apparatus, -while the piston or moving part is connected to another of said portions. The casing is provided with a circular chamber, and mounted eccentrically therein is a piston B'. The latter is L-shaped and is provided; with a valve-receiving chamber B. This chamber is provided with two concentric enlargements BZBS, and communicating lwith these enlargements are series of holes B6. By means of these holes the normally quiescent fluid in the main chamber is permitted to pass from one side of the piston to rthe other when the piston-valve C is moved to van operative position. The end of the valve-chamber is closed by means of ascrewthreaded plug B4. The opposite end of the chamber communicates with a vertically-extending passage ]35.' The upper end of the piston is screw-threaded, and mounted therein is a plug D, which is connected to the airconveying flexible tube D. Situated above the piston and provided with a downwardly- Ioo extending end E is a casting E, which closes the casing A above the piston. The outer surface of the end or extension E is given the same shape as the interior of the body or casing, while the inner wall is curved concentric with the center of motion of the piston and steering-handle. The casting E is cored out to form a fluid-receiving chamber, which fluid is designed to keep the chambers A2 and A3 on opposite sides of the piston full at all times. The casting is provided with a cover E2,which is retained in place by screws, as illustrated in Fig. 3. The valve for controlling the operation of the piston is actuated by fluid-pressure and consists of a cylindrical piece having transverse chambers or passages C' and C2, which are connected by a passage extending lengthwise of the piston. The right-hand end of the valve is chambered out to receive a coiled extension-spring F, the opposite end of the spring being seated in a cut-away portion of the screw-threaded plug B4. NVhen for any reason it is desired to inspect the valve, the screw-threaded plug BLl is removed and the parts slipped out endwise. By moving the piston-like valve C forward until the passages C and C2 coincide with the holes B6 in the piston the normally quiescent body of fluid will be permitted to [low from the chamber A2 to the chamber A3 under the action of the main piston B. As soon as the pressure on the valve is released the coil-spring F tends to move it back to the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2. As soon as this is done the passage of fluid from chamber A2 to chamber A2 is interrupted, and the parts are locked.

In a device of this character there is always more or less tendency of the fluid to leak from one chamber to another, also to leak out from the casing through the joints, at the same time admitting a certain amount of air. In order to prevent this, circular chambers G and H are provided. lhe chamber II communicates with a passage I, formed in the upper surface of the piston, and the chamber G communicates with the chamber formed in casting E. As the piston-valve is moved to the right the fluid in the righthand end of the piston-chamber B is forced into the passage I and the chamber II; but as soon as the piston moves to the position shown in the ligures it returns to the chamber B'.

Referring to Figs. 12 and 13, .I represents the vertically-extendin g steering-tube, which is connected to the piston through the universal joint J. Pivotally secured to the upper end of the tube isa tubular steering-lever J2. The free end of the steering-lever is expanded to form a cage J3, in which is mounted a tough rubber bulb J. This bulb communicates, by means of the flexible tube D', with the screw-threaded plug D, Fig. l, that enters the piston. The bulb may or may not have a valve therein, as desired. Surrounding the upper end of the piston and rigidly secured thereto is a lever K, that is connected to the steering-wheels in any suitable manner. In steering the vehicle the steering-lever J2 is swung from one position to another, with the axis of the piston as a center. When the operator desires to move the steeringwheels, he grasps the steering-lever J2 and at the same time compresses the bulb J, which in turn forces air or liquid through the pipe D into the piston and actuates the pistonvalve C. On relieving the pressure on the bulb the valve will return to its normal position, thereby interrupting the flow of fluid from the chamber A2 to the chamber A2, and the vehicle-wheel or other device to which the motion-checking mechanism may be applied will be locked. By placing the bulb JI1 within the handle virtually no thought is required on the part of the operator to open and close the valve in steering, since the operator would ordinarily grasp the handle firmly, and this is sufficient to force air enough into the valve-chamber in the piston to actuate the valve.

Referring to Figs. 15 and 16, I have shown a slight modification of myinvention, wherein the bulb J1 is compressed or actuated by a downward movement of the steering-lever J2. The bulb is mounted in a small upright receptacle L, that is secured to the verticallyextending steering-tube J. The steering-lever is pivoted in the ordinary manner, so that it can be thrown forward to permit the operator to take his seat. Formed on a sleeve that is carried by the steering-lever is a projection L', that engages with the top of the bulb and compresses it whenever a downward movement is imparted to the steering-handle. In addition to this a second lug L2 is formed on the sleeve, which lug engages with a spring-pressed plunger L2. This plunger normally holds the lug L in such position that it rests lightly on the bulb, so that when the handle is forcibly depressed sufficient air will be furnished to actuate the piston-valve in the manner described above. In this instance a movement is required which is separate from the steering movement; but since the natural tendency of the operator in steering is to grasp the handle firmly and force it downward slightly it amounts practically to a single movement of the steering-handle to accomplish both the opening of the valve and the moving ofthe steering-wheel. With this structure, as well as with the one previously described, there is no lost motion between the operating-handle and the moving member of the check. .I

In Figs. 17 to 20, inclusive, I have illustrated a further modification of my invention, wherein I dispense with the use of a bulb and substitute therefor a piston M, which is actuated by a dog N, that is pivotally secured to the steering-tube J. The steering-lever .I2

works on the same pivot with the dog N; but it is independent thereof to this extent that it may be thrown forward to permit the operator to take his seat; `but the instant that ICO the -handle is depressed the lug' N on the handlefengages with the dog and forces it downward. When the dog is depressed, the

piston M forces air or liquid through the pipe D' into the piston and actuates the piston- Valve C. In order to return the piston M to its normal position, a coiled extensionfspring O is employed. Located on the top of the steering-tube is a fork P, which engages with the steering-lever and acts as 'a guide therefor during its up and down movements. As before stated in connection with Figs; and 16,` the natural impulse of the loperator is to grasp the steering-handle firmly and'at the same time depress it slightly,and this depression serves to operate the valve controlling the piston.

l .Referring to Fig. 2l, Ihave shown my, in-

(vention in connection with the steering-wheels of a vehicle. Q represents the steering-wheels, which are mounted on short axles Q', that are pivotally supported by the fixed axle A'. The

body or casingA is mounted on the xed axlev A', and the steering-wheels are. connected to the lever .I2 by means of connecting-rods R and lever K. As the steering-lever J 2 is moved to either side of a given position, the angular position of the steering-wheels is changed, the unlocking and locking being accomplishedin a manner previously described.

Referring to Fig. 22, I have shown a slight modification of myinvention, wherein B represents the moving piston, which piston is chambered out,and mounted within the chamberfs a bulb S, made of rubber or other dexible material. The bulb doesV not make a tight lit with the interior ofY the ipiston at all points. vThis is to permit the Huid in the chamber on one' side of the piston to flow through the piston to the chamber on the other side. The end of thev piston is provided with a screw-threaded plug D4, through which the bulb S may be inserted or withdrawn. The bulb is provided with two stud-like metal projections U, having enlargedheads which are secured in the body of material forming the bulb; These projections are intended to engage with and 4open the nap-valves T and T'. These valves are of any, ordinary construction, but preferably areA hinged at the top, so that they will close by gravity. The bulb is attachedto the iexible'pipe D', which leads to the bulb in the handle or to the cylinder containing the piston M, as'de'sired. It is evident that this valve maybe operated by any suitable means that is capable of sup-V the bulb to expand, and the projections U force the valves outward, after which' the pis- I' by Letters Patent of the United' States, is-,

l. In a motion-checking device, the: combination of a moving and a stationary member,

a hydraulic lock for holding the parts in xed f relation,"a valve, and afluid-actuated means for moving the valve. 2. In a motion-checking device, the combi nation of 'a moving and a stationary member,

a hydraulic lock forholding the'parts in fixedl 'relation,and a bulb actuated by the movementof the'hand for creating fluid-pressureA `to move the Valve. n

3.' In a motion-checking devicethe combination of a movingand astationary member,

a double-acting lock, for securing the parts,

and a valve actuated by fluid-pressure controlling the unlocking of the parts. 4. In amotion-checking device, the combination of a moving and a stationary member, a double-acting lock for securing the parts, a valve actuated by fluid-,pressure arranged to unlock the parts, and a'mechanical meansfor closing the valve and locking the parts.

5. In a motion-checking device, the combination of a casing, an piston mounted therein and' arranged to divide the'casing into two chambers, a body of fluid for each chamber, a valve actuated by fluid-pressure for controlling thetransfer of fluid from one chamber to another, and means for supplyinguidpressureto actuate the valve.

6. In a motion-'checking device, they combination of a casing, a piston mounted therein1 land arranged to divide the casing into two chambers, a body of Huid for each chamber, a valve actuated by.u`idpressure for controlling the transfer of fluid from one cham# ber to another, and a manually-actuated means for creating a fluid-pressure to actuate the valve. i K

4'7. In a motion-checking device, the combination of elements movable'with respect to each other, an actuator rigidly connected to one of `the elements, a lock for securingthe'" IOO IIO

elements in ixed relation,`a fluid-actuated f ,meansior controlling the lock, and manually-actuated means for creatingthe necessary fluid-pressure.

8. In a motion-checking device, the combi- A nation of two members movable with respect to each other, a double-acting lock between the members, a handle for moving the inemlbers with respect to each otherand a manually-actuated d uid-pressure-creating device for releasing the lock.

9. In a motion-checking device, the combination of two members movable with respect' to each other, a double-acting lock between IZO the members, a handle for moving the mem- Y bers with respect to each other, and abulb which has. to be compressed prior to the act ot moving the members for causi-nga fluidpressure to release the lock.

10. In a motion-checking device, the combination of two members movable with respect to each other, a lock for securing the parts against movement, and Huid-actuated means for controlling the lock.

11. In a motion-checking device, the combination of two members movable with respect to each other, a lock for securing the parts against movement, a valve controlling the lock, and a means for furnishing fluid under pressure for actuating the valve.

12. In a motion-checking device, the combination of two members movable with respect to each other, a lock for securing the parts against movement, a valve controlling the lock, a handle for moving the members with respect to each other, and an air-bulb held in a support on the handle for furnishing the necessary pressure to actuate the valve.

13. In a motion-checking device, the combination of a piston, a casing containing a chamber in which the piston is movable, a body of normally quiescent uid filling the chamber each side of the piston, a pressureactuated valve carried by the piston for controlling the transfer of fluid from one side of the piston to the other, and means external to the casing for creating a fluid-pressure and conveying it to the valve.

14. The combination of a casing, a piston dividing the same into two compartments and having a fluid-passage formed therein,a fluidactuated valve mounted in a chamberin the piston, which chamber comm unicates with said passage, and external means for supplying fluid under pressure to the passage for actuating the valve.

15. The combination of a casing, a piston Working therein, a cylindrical valve mounted in the piston, a coiled spring for pressing the valve in one direction, a removable plug for closing the end of the chamber containing the valve, a passage in the piston communicating with the valve-chamber, and means for conveying fluid under pressure to the passage for actuating the valve.

16. The combination of a casing, a piston, a valve Working within the piston, a passage formed in the piston which extends outside of the casing, and means for supplying fluid under pressure to the passage for actuating the piston.

17. In a motion-checking device, the combination of a casing, a body of normally quiescent fluid therein, a piston, a piston-valve mounted in the piston and arranged to open and close a passage through the same, and a relief-passage into Which a certain amount of fluid is forced as the valve is moved.

18. In a motion-checking device for vehi-4 cles, the combination of a steering-Wheel, an

axle, a casing and a piston movable With rep spect to each other and mechanically connected to the axle and Wheel, a body of normally quiescent fluid which fills the casing, a valve for controlling the movement of the fluid within the casing, and a manually-controlled means for creating a fluid to actuate the valve.

19. In a motion-checking device, the combination of members movable With respect to each other, a lock therefor comprising a fluid body, a valve for controlling the transfer of the fluid, and a relief-passage into Which fluid is forced by the movement of the valve.

20. In a motion-checking device, the combination of elements movable with respect to each other, a lock, fluid-pressure-actuated means controlling the lock, and manuallyactuated means for creating the necessary fluid-pressure to operate then lock-controlling means.

In Witness Wheroi" I have hereunto set my hand this 14th day of November, 1900.

HERMANN LEMP.

Witnesses:

ALEX. F. MACDONALD, DUGALD MoKILLoP. 

